Miami Beach Middle Schooler Faces Felony Charges

MIAMI BEACH, FL — What began as a joyride in his stepfather's Cadillac ended with felony charges against a Nautilus Middle School pupil who allegedly plowed into two woman and an infant girl as they attempted to cross the street on Sunday afternoon. The incident occurred at 77 Street and Dickens Avenue shortly after 4:30 p.m. The 13-year-old driver, who was too young to legally drive, took the vehicle without permission.

Patch is withholding the student's name and photo based on his age. He is charged with leaving the scene of a crash with bodily injury and a related offense

According to court documents, the teenager attempted to get away but was chased down by a witness driving a black Dodge Charger. The witness also alerted police, who stopped the Cadillac two blocks away on 75 Street.

"The defendant got out of the vehicle holding the vehicle keys and his hands held in the air," court documents said. The teenager was identified by two witnesses.

All of the victims were taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital's Ryder Trauma Center by Miami Beach Fire Rescue. One woman suffered a broken hip and cuts to her head while the other suffered only minor bruises.

The baby was undergoing a medical evaluation.

Police said the teenager waived his right to an attorney and admitted to the incident. His stepfather did not press charges for taking the Cadillac. The teenager was released to his mother who lives in the 7500 block of Byron Avenue.

Miami Beach police said that the teenager was heading west in the Cadillac on 77 Street when he allegedly struck the pedestrians. He was allegedly attempting to make a left turn on Dickens Avenue. The pedestrians were in the crosswalk at the time.

A Miami judge noted at a hearing on Monday that the teenager missed 27 days of school last year.

"His grades stink," the judge said. "I think it's time somebody needs to step in and make sure he's in school."

Photo by Paul Scicchitano